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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

[MCR] Avalanche Control Mt. Bourgeau

I would like to clarify the avalanche control strategies and restrictions
for Bourgeau Left hand and Right hand.

Parks Canada only does avalanche control control on avalanche paths that
affect roads.
Bourgeau Left Hand is not one of those paths and does NOT get
controlled (contrary to what is stated in early editions of the
guidebook)
Bourgeau Right Hand very rarely affects the parking lot and therefore
very occasionally gets control.
Avalanche control in the area can easily cause sympathetic avalanches
on Bourgeau Left Hand and Bourgeau Right Hand. A sympathetic avalanche
is one that occurs when another avalanche is triggered on a nearby path.
For this reason, Parks Canada closes those two ice routes to climbing
when avalanche control is planned.

Marc Ledwidge
Manager, Mountain Safety Programs
Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks
220 Hawk Avenue
Box 900, Banff, AB
T1L 1K2
Ph: 403-762-1401

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These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
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